MLB Teams With AeroBalloon For Rides At All-Star Game

By Eric Fisher, Staff Writer, SportsBusiness Journal

AeroBalloon To Offer Rides In Conjunction With MLB All-Star Game

MLB has aligned with Boston-based AeroBalloon USA Inc. to offer free tethered balloon rides outside AT&T Park during All-Star Game festivities next week in S.F.  The deal is the first sports-oriented pact for AeroBalloon, which has previously operated in tourist areas of cities such as Boston and Atlanta providing rides for $10-20 each.  The partnership will be a branding vehicle, as the 48-foot-tall, helium-filled balloons typically carry some type of corporate signage, similar to sponsored blimps.  MLB will use the space to display All-Star Game and league logos, as well as S.F. imagery, and also to help begin promotion of Actober.com, a fan-oriented marketing effort being announced next week. 

COMING TO YOUR TOWN? Similarly, AeroBalloon execs are aiming to use the All-Star Game as a means to place its service near additional ballparks and stadiums and on a more regular basis.  "We think this is a brilliant fit, and hopefully the beginning of some additional opportunities for us," said Doug Hase, AeroBalloon President.  "Given the views that can be had when you're riding in this, how phenomenal they are and completely 360 degrees, we think there's tremendous venue possibilities."